Chapter 28 - Chapter 26: The Magic Otaku is Taken Aback
"I was wondering what the entrance ceremony would be like, but it turned out to be a really strange affair. I never thought they'd call us into the hall one by one to swear an oath like that."
"It w-was a little like a knight's dubbing ceremony. But having the sword placed on my neck instead of my shoulder was... s-surprising."
That night, after the initiation ceremony masquerading as an entrance ceremony, Roche-kun and Isak-senpai gathered in my room to discuss their impressions. The ceremony, which began after sunset, had involved repeating the ritual for each of the thirty-odd new students, so by the time it was all over and we had returned to the Gold Dragon Hall, it was quite late. But I had invited the two of them to my room, saying I had something to discuss, and so here we were, three boys huddled together at an hour a bit too late for children to be awake.
But it was truly unexpected. I almost burst out laughing when Professor Azadh explained the ceremony, because from any angle, it was an initiation for a magical secret society, the kind that originated from those late-19th-century London orders. The original ritual is much longer and more complex, but I suppose they couldn't perform the full version for every new student, so it was considerably simplified. Otherwise, it would've taken until dawn.
And then there was the voice I heard as I was leaving after the ritual. It was unmistakably the voice of the goddess of magic, Isis, also known as Sister Magisa. That means today's entrance ceremony was, without a doubt, the initiation ritual for the magical society she belongs to, the Holy Magicians' Order. Wait a minute. Does that mean this academy is a lodge for the order? But if so, why don't the magic users who graduate from here know anything about magic rituals?
"You know, Saki, I think it's a bit much for the person who gathered us here to remain silent."
"Y-yes, Lord Saki. Wasn't there something you wanted to talk about?"
The more I thought about it, the more questions popped up, and I got lost in thought until Roche-kun's sharp retort brought me back to my senses. Yes, he was absolutely right. "Sorry, sorry," I apologized, cutting off my train of thought to address the two of them.
"With today's entrance ceremony, we've officially become students of this academy. While there's a senior-junior relationship based on school year, there's no hierarchy based on social status or age. So from now on, I'll call you two 'Roche' and 'Isak,' and I want you two to call me 'Saki' and drop the honorifics. Got it?"
The two of them looked at each other at my words, and then Roche spoke with a slightly exasperated tone.
"You're saying this now? Unfortunately, I have no intention of changing the way I speak. Ah, but please do call me 'Roche,' Saki. Also, outside of our circle of friends or the academy, I will revert to calling you 'Lord Saki.'"
"Y-you're really consistent about that, Roche. B-but, um, okay, I understand, Saki."
Isak, though stumbling over his words, agreed as well. Good, good. One of them is a bit iffy, but the naming issue is settled. The first step to shortening the psychological distance is how you address each other. I plan on having these two stick with me for a long time to come, so I want to break down those mental barriers quickly and get to a point where we can speak casually.
"Alright, as a token of our friendship, I have something for you, Isak."
With that, I took out two sheets of parchment. One had a diagram of three concentric circles with a dot in the center, and the other had just a single large circle. They were the same tools I had given to Roche before, for the "Triple Circle Method" training to enhance visualization skills.
"T-this is..."
"It's the same as what I received before. Are you going to teach Isak that training method as well?"
Exactly. I intend for Roche and Isak to become my research partners in magic rituals in the future. I want them to master the "Triple Circle Method," which can improve their skills as magic users while also developing their ability to "envision," a fundamental skill for ritual magic. Of course, I got permission from my parents before coming to the academy. They strictly warned me to only teach Isak and not to spread it within the academy. Then, while teaching Isak the method, I handed Roche something I had prepared for him as well.
"Is this... a die?"
Yes, a die. A regular hexahedron with dots from one to six on each face, just like the familiar one from my past life. The one-pip being a large red dot was also exactly the same, and the fact that it existed in this world gave me a lot to think about... but that aside, I wanted Roche to take the next step.
"Roll this in front of you, and at the same time, imagine a die rolling in your mind."
"...! I see, so this is the next stage of training."
"Exactly. How it rolled, what sound it made, which face it landed on. Once you can vividly imagine all of that in your mind, you should start to see a phantom die rolling in front of you. Once you get to that point, you'll be able to clearly see the sigils when you cast spells."
"Do you and Ruria do this training too?"
"Of course. We've been doing it since we were three."
"I understand. I will master it."
Roche clutched the die, his young face set with a determined gaze as he met my eyes. Good, cute. No, I mean, that's a good answer. I really want to teach him the Lesser Heavenly Cycle to boost his mana reserves, but I've been strictly told that's for family only for now. It's not that I can never teach him, just that it's too soon, so unfortunately, I'll have to wait for the right opportunity.
We talked for a while longer, but since it was getting close to midnight, we decided to return to our respective rooms and get some sleep for the next day. Being up at this hour is pretty tough on a young body. I decided to leave the thinking to my future self and surrendered to the temptation of my bed.
Morning came. Awakened by the sound of bells ringing from the academy's steeple, I went down to the first-floor dining hall with Roche and Isak. We had a hurried breakfast among the upperclassmen, then returned to our rooms to tidy ourselves up. The three of us went down to the hall together and left the Gold Dragon Hall, where, as expected, Ruria was waiting with Hanna. As Hanna saw us off and we headed toward the academy, I spoke to Ruria.
"Good morning, Ruria. How was the entrance ceremony yesterday?"
"Mm. Heard a weird voice at the end."
"Ah, you too? Did it say, 'I welcome you too'?"
"Yeah."
"Huh? What's this about? You didn't mention that last night."
"Did I not? At the entrance ceremony, after the whole thing was over and we were leaving the hall, I heard a woman's voice. It said it welcomed me."
"...That sounds kind of creepy. I didn't hear anything like that."
"Y-yeah. I didn't hear it either."
"I see. Then maybe it was just me and Ruria."
Hmm. So Roche and Isak didn't hear Sister Magisa's voice. Is it because we summoned her during the ritual to consecrate Ruria's Chalice? Does that mean only we are official initiates of the Holy Magicians' Order? Then again, knowing that goddess, it's entirely possible she just sent a simple congratulatory message. It's hard to say.
Perhaps because we were chatting so leisurely on our way, there were hardly any people around by the time we reached the academy. Feeling a little anxious but careful not to rush (nobles don't show they're in a hurry, or so I'm told), we entered the first-year classroom. Fortunately, the teacher hadn't arrived yet, so it seemed we made it just in time. However, we were apparently the last ones to arrive. The previously buzzing classroom fell silent in an instant, and the entire class turned to look at us in unison. Whoa, hold on. Don't stare at me like that.
Exposed to numerous gazes, I was panicking inside but maintained a calm exterior as I headed for an empty seat. It seemed my classmates were all eager to learn, as the seats were filled from the front, leaving only the back rows empty. As someone who remembers lectures and seminars from my past life where the back seats always filled up first, I wasn't sure if I should be proud of my new classmates or feel pity for my old friends and colleagues.
While entertaining these fruitless thoughts, the four of us moved to the very last row at the edge of the room. I took the window seat, with Ruria next to me, and Roche and Isak in the seats behind us.
Shortly after we sat down, the door opened and a teacher came in. It was a familiar old face. The former commander of the Royal Magic Corps, Chief Professor Ahab Adoni Azadh. You're getting a lot of screen time, aren't you, Commander? The professor stood at the lectern, surveyed the class, cleared his throat, and began to speak.
"Everyone, you may remain seated. I'll skip the greetings since this is the second time we've met. I will be the homeroom teacher for the first-years this year. I won't be teaching every class, but if any problems arise in this grade, or if a situation requires a professor's judgment, you are to report to me. The professors in charge of specialized subjects will introduce themselves during their respective classes. Any questions so far?"
Even when Professor Azadh lowered his voice, it had a weight that resonated deep within us. Perhaps due to his experience commanding troops on the battlefield, his voice, coming from the pit of his stomach, had an intimidating power even when speaking of ordinary matters. It was no wonder that everyone in the classroom, myself included, unconsciously replied in unison, "No, sir."
"Good. We will now begin the first lesson, but before that, I want each of you to introduce yourselves to the other students. Your name, age, place of birth, and the number of spells you currently know will suffice. While one person is speaking, the rest of you will listen in silence. And keep it brief. Now, the far left of the front row, yes, you may begin."
As Professor Azadh said this and sat down at the lectern, the students began to stand up and introduce themselves in the order they were called. The professor listened while looking down at a thin board in his hands. It was likely an attendance book or student register, and he was probably checking for discrepancies between the information the academy had and what the students were saying.
Listening to the introductions, I found that almost all the new students had learned one spell, or two in rare cases. There were fewer students with noble titles than I expected, maybe about a third of the class. However, even those without titles were wearing well-tailored robes and rather expensive accessories, making it clear they were from merchant families or households of considerable wealth. There were exceptions like Lug-senpai, the dorm head of the Gold Dragon Hall, but for the most part, it was the children of wealthy families who could afford the education necessary to enter the academy.
My past life in Japan, where over half the population could advance to higher education, was truly blessed. As I was thinking this, a conspicuously blue robe in the corner of my eye stood up. It was the young master of a great noble house (or so he seemed) that I had seen several times since yesterday. Today, too, he was wearing that lavish robe and carrying a magnificent staff with a blue gem at its tip for some reason. After running a hand through his ash-blonde hair, which was slicked back as usual, he began his introduction in an affected tone.
"My name is Yuli Adoni Katzir. I was born the third son of Marquis Abel Katzir, whose name is renowned in the western part of the Kingdom. At the tender age of eleven, I received the sanction of the famed 'Thunder-Glow Mage,' Elder Mordecai. The spells I have currently mastered are but two, [Magic Missile] and [Shield], but I intend to master all first-tier spells while enrolled and reach the second tier before graduation. Therefore, to my esteemed colleagues who have become my classmates..."
"Oi, that's enough. Next."
The young master's monologue, which seemed like it would never end, was cut short by the professor's sharp command. He froze for a moment, then slowly sat down on the bench without turning to face the professor. A student who seemed to be one of Yuli's cronies took his place and began his introduction, but I was no longer listening.
It was you! It was you all along! You were the one who sent that useless knight, Baumann, as a messenger! Because you used such an incompetent fool as a subordinate, I was nearly pushed into a full-blown war between my family and yours, you son of a bitch! Seriously, what are your thoughts on employer liability or appointment responsibility? That's what I want to grill you about. Well, I won't, since we pretended the whole thing never happened.
But of all people, the Katzir family. One of the highest-ranking noble families in the kingdom, and a cornerstone of the Four Marquis Houses that lead the Noble Faction, which opposes the Royalist Faction that my Arcalai family belongs to. Not only does he come from a very troublesome house, but he himself seems to be a bit of a problem. Seriously, I have to study magic with this guy for the next three years? You've got to be kidding me...
Well, while I was agonizing over how to handle my relationship with Prince Yuli, the introductions continued, and it was the other noteworthy student's turn. The young lady with the crimson robe and long, vertically curled blonde hair stood up, straightened her posture, and began to speak.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Elisha Adoni Shamir, and I am thirteen years old this year. I have come from the Shamir Territory in the northwest of the Kingdom. I have only mastered two spells, [Armor] and [Shield]. I look forward to getting to know you all."
She placed her right hand on her chest, held the hem of her robe with her left, and gave a slight curtsy. It was the formal bow typically performed by female magic users in public, and her movements were so beautiful, so perfectly described by words like 'elegant' and 'graceful.' Even among the other students, a few sighs of admiration could be heard.
While I was impressed by this archetypal 'young lady' persona, a calculating part of my brain was thinking, This is trouble. The Shamir family was of the same rank as that idiot in the blue robe's family, meaning they were one of the Four Marquis Houses. In other words, our grade had two children from the top noble families of the Noble Faction. With the power balance in the class so skewed, I had a feeling that we in the Royalist Faction would have a very hard time from now on. I would need to be extremely careful with these two.
As I watched Lady Elisha return to her seat after her greeting, I felt my hand being grabbed and brought to Ruria's mouth. Gently holding it back with my other hand, I rose from the bench. It was my turn. If my first words in front of the entire class were "Ow!" it would be a very foolish academy debut indeed.
Now, what kind of greeting should I give? I can't talk for too long. As I was thinking, Ruria stood up at the same time. Um, Ruria-san, introductions are one at a time. What's gotten into you? I instinctively checked her expression, but Ruria was meeting the gaze of every student in the class with her usual half-lidded eyes, not flinching at all. It seemed she had some non-negotiable reason for this, so I gave up and decided to start my introduction.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Saki Adoni Arcalai, from the capital. I turned seven this year. The spells I know are four: [Light], [Armor], [Shield], and [Magic Missile]. I look forward to getting to know you all."
"Likewise. Ruria Sharon. Seven. Four spells. That is all."
Following me, Ruria also gave her introduction, her voice small yet clear and concise, like the pure sound of a bell. Instantly, a murmur of awe swept through the classroom. Well, of course. In a class where most students knew one spell, and a few clever ones knew two, a pair of clearly younger kids had mastered four. That reaction was to be expected.
Even after we sat down, I could hear our classmates whispering to each other here and there. Then, the professor's voice boomed from the lectern, "Silence. Next," and the classroom fell silent at once. Roche and then Isak gave their introductions in the awkward atmosphere, and with that, everyone in the grade was finished.
For the record, they both knew two spells, [Light] and [Magic Missile]. As the entrance exam results had already shown, we of the Arcalai academy were all at the top of our grade. I was very proud.
After everyone had introduced themselves, Professor Azadh gave us some general notices about the academy's classes. It seemed the first lesson would be something like a long homeroom. Professor Azadh explained in detail the specifics of each class, points to note about course registration, the academy's facilities, and how to use them. When he finished his explanation, he looked over everyone and said:
"That will be all for this class. Also, there will be an important announcement from the Academy Head today. After the afternoon classes are over, everyone is to gather in the auditorium. That is all."
With that, Professor Azadh left the classroom. As his figure disappeared beyond the door, a relaxed atmosphere finally settled over the room. I turned to Roche and Isak and spoke.
"An important announcement. I wonder what it could be."
"I have no idea. But since the announcement is from the Academy Head, I imagine it has something to do with Talgum Magic Academy or magic users in general."
"C-come to think of it, there is an Academy Head, isn't there?"
"That's right. We haven't seen him at all, so maybe he's not usually involved with the students. An important announcement from someone like that is intriguing."
"Indeed, it is intriguing."
As we were having this casual conversation—Ruria was just leaning against me sleepily—a voice called out, "Pardon me, might I have a word?" I turned toward the voice, which I remembered for various reasons, and there stood the boy in the blue robe, accompanied by his two cronies.
"You must be Saki, son of Lord Arcalai. I have a small matter to discuss, if you would be so kind as to oblige me."
It was, of course, Prince Yuli of the Katzir family, who spoke to me in a nasal tone that grated on the nerves. Detecting the natural condescension in his voice, I felt a flash of irritation and retorted instinctively.
"You are Yuli-san, I believe. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am indeed Saki. What can I do for you?"
The effect was immediate. The faint smile on Prince Yuli's slender face froze instantly, and his two companions detonated as if a spark had been thrown into a powder keg.
"How dare you speak to Lord Yuli like that! And you call yourself a noble?!"
"It seems that even after three generations, a family that was nothing but country villagers until recently cannot learn proper etiquette. Lord Yuli, is there any need to concern yourself with such an ill-mannered person?"
Well, well, aren't you two being sarcastic. But even if he is the son of a marquis, I'm not going to stay silent when he talks down to me upon our first meeting. Tit for tat is an unwritten rule for both nobles and yakuza. Meanwhile, Roche and Isak, unaccustomed to such situations, were just fidgeting nervously. Only Ruria remained composed, staring at the three of them as if they were trash.
"You say that, but here in this academy, rank and age are irrelevant. We are all equal students of magic, are we not? Brothers and sisters. Have you forgotten the oath from the entrance ceremony?"
So I taunted him back. It was a bit rich of me to bring up the oath, but I really didn't feel like I could form a bond of friendship with these guys.
"And it is rude of you to remain seated while you speak!"
One of the cronies, the larger, rounder one, snapped at me with a rather rough tone. Sorry, I missed your name due to the shock of Prince Yuli.
"We are classmates, so it's normal to speak while seated, isn't it? If standing is too much for you, why don't you take one of those empty seats?"
"...That's a fine sentiment, but have you considered the difference in our stations? Such behavior will only cause you trouble after you leave the academy."
The other crony, the shorter one with an insidious way of speaking, continued his snide remarks. What's with this duo? I feel a faint sense of déjà vu, something from my past life... Well, whatever. At this point, I'll just see it through to the end.
"Are you perhaps mistaking this school of learning for a ballroom at a society gathering? And if you wish to speak of station, perhaps you should be more mindful of your own."
"What did you say?!"
The two of them, borrowing their boss's authority, grew even more heated at being hit with words they likely never expected. Prince Yuli himself seemed surprised, his eyes wide as he stared at me. Good grief, I didn't want to say this, but I have no choice. With a taunting tone, I began to speak slowly and deliberately, as if explaining to a child.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Saki Adoni Hanukkah, Baron of Hanukkah and the heir of Viscount Levi Arcalai, the Royal Magic Advisor. Now, who might you be?"
At my words, the three of them fell silent, as if struck dumb. They're no different from that knight, Baumann. They're so used to everyone bowing and scraping before the Katzir name. They've probably never met anyone who could turn their own logic against them like this.
Noble houses often hold multiple titles. For example, my Arcalai family holds the Viscount Arcalai title, derived from our ancestral lands of Arcalai village, as well as the Baron Hanukkah title, tied to our separate territory of Hanukkah. The head of a noble house uses their highest-ranking title, but the heir with succession rights is permitted to use one of the other titles.
This is a privilege normally reserved for high-ranking nobles of count or above, but our family is an exception because the position of Royal Magic Advisor is equivalent to a countship. Therefore, despite being a seven-year-old child, I am also the Baron of Hanukkah, a bona fide member of the kingdom's nobility.
Marquis Katzir surely holds a mountain of titles, but as the third son, Prince Yuli is not granted any. Thus, in terms of noble hierarchy, he is of a lower station than I. The same likely goes for his two companions. If they were the heirs of some house, they probably wouldn't be here learning magic. The heads of noble houses being magic users is incredibly rare in this country. My grandmother and father are the heretics, the exceptions among the kingdom's nobility.
In practice, many would consider the third son of a marquis to be higher than the eldest son of a viscount. This is especially true for common folk with no connection to the upper classes. However, noble society is extremely particular about these fine details, and the slightest mistake in etiquette will get you branded as 'ill-mannered.' They are constantly fighting like monkeys on a mountain, always trying to get one up on each other. Ugh, I hate it. And most of all, I hate myself for cornering someone over something so trivial.
As I was inwardly mocking myself, Prince Yuli stepped forward, silencing his two now-silent companions. He gave me a slight nod and began to speak in a polite tone.
"My companions were rude, Lord Hanukkah. Would you be so kind as to forgive them? We wish to speak with you without animosity."
"'Saki' is fine, Yuli-san. I repeat, what is your business?"
Prince Yuli took a nearby seat, just as I had suggested earlier. His two companions stood on either side of him, their childish faces unable to hide their frustration. They were probably unhappy that their boss had been forced to apologize. On my side, Roche and Isak stood up and flanked me and Ruria. I don't hate that they waited until the pecking order was established to jump on the bandwagon.
"Then, Saki. I hear you were born with very weak magic power. So why is it that at your age, you can use four spells?"
"I won't ask where you heard that, but it is true that my magic power is weak. It's likely the weakest compared to any of my classmates in this room. However, does the amount of one's magic power have any bearing on the acquisition of spells?"
Whoa, Prince Yuli knows about my lack of magic power. Well, I haven't been broadcasting it, but I haven't been hiding it either, so I suppose he could find out if he tried. His father is probably investigating my family. But does this guy not realize how rude a question he just asked, not even a moment after saying he wanted to speak 'without animosity'? This is what makes him a spoiled brat.
"Is it not common knowledge that those with great magic power are the ones who achieve greatness as magic users? I have heard that the difference in the tiers one can climb is also due to the difference in the amount of magic power."
"Even if you say that, I have no answer for you. I can only say that I have worked harder at magic than others."
"I believe that the Arcalai family has devised a technique that allows even those with little magic power to handle many spells."
"If such a technique existed, then my father's private academy would be producing a large number of students who could pass the academy's entrance exam, would it not? Since that is not the case, I believe your hypothesis lacks evidence, Yuli-san."
Though I was feigning ignorance, Prince Yuli's question was quite sharp. I don't know the exact reason for the individual differences in spell acquisition speed, but I also believe that magic power is involved. More magic power means you can cast more spells, which means you can practice magic more. That's why.
The reason my spell acquisition is so fast is solely because I can see magic with my own eyes, and my visualization ability is on a completely different level from others. The reason I can learn spells just by watching others cast them is because I can see the light of the sigils and easily reproduce the spell's activation in my mind.
And well, the Triple Circle Method and the dice method are what make that possible, but I've been strictly forbidden by my family from revealing them. Of course, I have no intention of teaching them to this rude little prince, even if he offered me a thousand gold coins.
"I see. I didn't expect you to tell me anyway, but I have learned that you are not the person I imagined you to be. That alone was worth talking to you."
"For reference, may I ask what kind of person you imagined me to be, Yuli-san?"
"I suspected that you had passed the academy's exam not on your own merit, but through the influence of the Arcalai family, despite your weak magic power. That was truly rude of me, to both you and the Arcalai family. I hope you can forgive me."
As Prince Yuli bowed his head, it took all my effort to keep my expression from crumbling. This guy is genuinely, naturally rude! Does he realize that his words just now smeared mud all over me, my family, and the reputation of this academy? As if the academy would fudge the results of its entrance exam just because someone is a child of the Arcalai family, no matter how influential they are among magic users. And to say that so casually, without a second thought. Nope, nope. This guy is an enemy. Him and his cronies, they're all my enemies now. It's decided.
My thought process was on the verge of short-circuiting in response to Prince Yuli's incredible rudeness, but a tiny sliver of rationality managed to keep me in check. A son of a marquis—even a hypothetical one—was bowing his head. If I didn't at least appear to forgive him, I might be seen as petty. I took a slow breath to keep my voice from trembling and opened my mouth, eager to end this conversation.
"Since you have apologized, I will say no more. Is that all you wished to discuss?"
"I thank you for your generous words. And yet, I would like to say one last thing."
Prince Yuli rose from his seat, looked me straight in the eye, and declared. There's more? I thought with exasperation, but simply replied, "I'm listening."
"You may be ahead of me now, but while we are enrolled in this academy, I will surely surpass you. And I will show the entire kingdom that magic does not belong to the Arcalai family alone. That is all."
With that, Prince Yuli dramatically flipped his robe, and, with his cronies in tow, returned to his seat. I, as well as Roche and Isak who had not participated in the conversation, could only watch his back in stunned silence.
Did that bastard think he looked cool just now? Did he think he was creating a dramatic scene with his rival-like declaration? What is this... what? This indescribable feeling of unease, these emotions I can't process.
While all of us, except for Ruria who had been ignoring him from the start, were frozen, a voice from the side asked, "Is your conversation finished?" I reflexively turned to see a crimson robe of what looked like beautiful, glossy silk, and long blonde hair styled in perfect vertical curls. It was the other child of a marquis house, Lady Elisha Adoni Shamir.
"As I said before, my name is Elisha Adoni Shamir. May I have the pleasure of introducing myself?"
Lady Elisha said with a gentle smile. It took me a moment to switch gears, but I hurriedly stood up and introduced myself in return.
"My apologies, I am Saki Adoni Arcalai. And this is... hey, Ruria."
I noticed that Ruria, whom I was about to introduce, was still sitting in front of me, glaring at Lady Elisha with half-lidded eyes. While she had completely ignored Prince Yuli earlier, she was directing clear hostility toward Lady Elisha. This was a bad situation, etiquette aside. I reached out to at least get Ruria to stand, and at that moment...
"Oh my, ufufu."
It was as quick as a flash. Lady Elisha swiftly slipped into our row, scooped Ruria up, and placed her on her own lap. Then, while nuzzling Ruria's cheek, she let out a squeal that could only be described as ecstatic.
"Aaaah! You're just as adorable as I imagined~~!"
...Eh? ......Eh?
Here is Chapter 26. I ended up drastically revising the content midway, which delayed this post. I apologize for that. Please continue to join me for the next chapter. Until then.